Getting Started in Australia

Getting started in Australia is the easiest thing ever. Don't believe stories about all the obstacles, how hard or complicated it is. Follow these basic few steps and you'll be ready in no time.

All you need to get properly set up and ready for work in Australia are:

-A Bank Account (you can apply on-line before you go over to Australia and then activate it once you get there). The application takes about 15 minutes on-line and about the same in the branch. They will mail you a debit card straight away. If your not sure you'll be in the same hostel in a week's time (it usually arrives after 2-3 days) then have it sent to any local post office. You can pick it up from there just by showing your ID. Too easy. 

Open a bank account here 

-A Tax File Number (TFN) As a temporary resident you'll still be liable to pay tax (and receive even more in return) and will need your unique 9-digit code which you register at the tax office. You can do it on-line by filling out a simple form. Use the hostel's address if you wish. It will take a few weeks this way. A quicker way to do it is to simply register at your local tax office. You can have your tax file number on the same day this way.

Click here to apply for a TFN now

-An Australian Telephone number . You can get them anywhere. Telstra  are the only ones that offer good coverage in remote areas (and that  includes the wireless broadband stick) and charge more accordingly. In  cities go with Virgin or Optus, they have great deals but neither of them work in remote areas. The SIM  cards are free with your first deposit. You usually get a great calling  plan when you top your phone up with $30 or more credit. Anything less  and you'll pay for it through the nose.

It really is that simple. You don't even need a TFN to start off with as you will just be on emergency tax (highest rate) until you supply a TFN, after which you are taxed accordingly. You should be able to get most of it back at the end of the tax year anyaways. Once you have an Australian bank account you won't have to worry about the withdrawal fees and unfavorable currency conversions rates that your overseas card bears.  With a phone you can contact potential employers and they can contact you too. Start trading numbers with friends you meet and take it from there. These 3 Easy to obtain items are all you need to get started. They are your first 3 roots in the country, your foundation from which a successful adventure begins.

In addition to those 3 core items. The following would also be extremely useful to sort out from day 1.

-Superannuation Fund

Wish I had known about this beforehand. By law, your employer must pay 9% of your gross salary (salary before tax) into a managed retirement fund. When you leave the country, as a temporary resident you are allowed to get that amount back, minus whatever applicable fees and taxes. If you have your own account from the beginning you won't have to worry about tracking down old accounts that were automatically set up for you. If you don't give your Superannuation details when first starting a job, the company will automatically put you on their scheme (they really are known as schemes). If you end up working at a variety of jobs, as you most likely will and not provide your own details you're robbing yourself of a nice pay off when you leave the country. Even if you were to track former accounts down there may not be much left after fees. It all depends on how much you work and make, and there's no reason why you wouldn't leave the country with anything less than $5000 from your super account when you leave the country. 
 

As a temporary resident you are entitled to an Australian driving license. Employers like to see that you have an Australian driving license, because whatever is Australian is easy for them to deal with. In some states it's a requirement that you hold a driving license issued by whichever state you're in. If you already have a driving license from the following recognised countries:

Austria	Guernsey	New Zealand
Belgium	Ireland	Norway
Canada	Isle of Man*	Portugal
Croatia	Italy	Singapore
Denmark	Japan	Spain
Finland	Jersey	Sweden
France	Luxembourg	Switzerland
Germany	Malta **	United Kingdom
Greece	Netherlands	United States of America

*Only recognised if your Isle of Man licence was issued on or after 1 November 1991
**Only recognised if your Malta licence was issued on or after 2 January 2004.

If you are over 25 you can also get your license on the 'Experienced driver programme' if it was issued in:

Czech Republic	Hong Kong	Taiwan
Estonia	Republic of Korea

You are allowed to drive on your overseas license for your first 3 months provided your overseas license is accompanied by a certified translation (in some states the translation must have taken place in the issuing state) where applicable. After that you will have to either convert or go on a course to get certified to Australian standards.

The Northern Terriroty is by far the easiest place to get your license. It's the cheapest there and there is less verification required. It's an especially good place if you're looking to get your HR (Truck) license.

Qualifications/References from Overseas (Very important for newcomers)

Take the effort to gather up references from previous jobs. Make sure whoever is recommending you still works there and is willing to provide you with a reference. This not only gives the employer confidence, it also ensures that your ex-boss will speak highly of you. They are always glad to do it as long as you were a good worker that left on amicable terms.

Get copies, all they need is copies, if certified better.. of any qualfication you have. University, first aid are big bonuses.

Most of you will have this information already, everything else can be set up easily. Do these simple things and you'll save loads of time, money & stress. This is the best headstart you can possibly have in Australia. The rest is up to you.

Backpacker hostels

If you arrive in Australia for the first after having backpacked somewhere else you're in for a shock when you experience Australian backpackers first hand. They aren't as nice, clean or cheap as some of the hostels you have come across abroad. Where you may have had a nice single room for $5 a night somewhere exotic will just barely get you a load of laundry done here. Cheap dorm rooms go for $25 a night

There is very little emphasis on cleanliness at backpackers in Australia. One of the reasons for this is that they like to give free accommodation to anyone willing to do a bit of cleaning in the morning. The people that end up with these jobs are usually the ones that made the mess in the first place the night before. Nothing is ever detailed in this scenario and you may want to disinfect yourself after setting foot in some of the showers.

Nowhere on earth have I come across such bad value for money. The only saving grace is that they are necessary to start off in. Once you are out you do miss it slightly and you always appreciate your space more.

Backpacker hostels in Australia are extremely social places. Many of them will have their own pool and even bar. There are lots of signs discouraging drinking to be seen but they are hardly ever enforced.

They are great places to meet new friends with whom to explore your new surroundings. There are lots of ads where people going on a trip seek out other people to share the travel costs with. Call them up and if you click then go for it.

It's a great place to make good friends. You are all on the same boat. All out here to have a good time while making some good money. It may not always be easy and that unspoken bond between backpackers is what helps us all along. Be kind and generous always, be open to new experiences and friendly to everyone. Enjoy your time here to the fullest. You'll miss every day you spent here when you're gone.

Backpackers are plentiful around cities and stand out easily. All of them have similar prices and where you end up staying is entirely up to you. While some of the on-line reviews give you a pretty good indication of what the place is like, you won't actually know until you are there. Backpacker hostels are living things that change from time to time as their guests change. You'll experience all types of Backpacker atmospheres along the way. Read more about the different types of backpacker you'll come across in Australia.

A good lock is essential as long as your hostel has lockers. If not, ask for your valuables to be left securely behind the desk. If the people behind the desk look shady you're best off taking them out with you. You are much less likely to be robbed in the street as you are in a dorm when in Australia. Read more about keeping your valuables safe at handytraveltips.com

You can get mail sent in your name to the hostel at any time. They are used to it, they expect it and even welcome it, as it ensures that you'll be sticking around. Whether you ask if it's alright for mail to be delivered there or not is up to you. It's a good idea to sign up for electronic statements from your bank otherwise your bank statements will go to some hostel you stayed at ages ago.

Some hostels are fussy about you bringing your sleeping bag in while others aren't. They are concerned about them bringing bedbugs in. You're less likely to be bitten in your own sleeping bag than you are on their sheets for sure. Pack a bottle of calamine lotion just in case.

Different Types of Backpackers in Australia

You'll come across all kinds of people throughout your adventure. Here are a few you may encounter at your local backpacker:

Loud mouth

The loud mouth  is not only the loudest person staying at the hostel but also the one  that stays up the latest. That's what you get sometimes at backpackers.  Complain to reception although it's unlikely that they'll get kicked  out. They usually don't hang around any particular place for too long  and are never missed.

Drunk

The  resident alcoholic. The drunk apparently does nothing other than drink  beer all day. How they are able to fund this lifestyle is a mystery  which only they seem to grasp. Sad but true.

Dope

Similar to the drunk, only this one is always high.

Worker

A  diligent and determined type that's early to bed, early to rise.  Working towards their goal. Workers can stay at a particular backpackers  for months at a time if they are at a job they enjoy and are able to  save enough from. This worker easily saves $300-500 per week. They are  also able to focus clearly on their target and be unaffected by  distractions. Being a worker is the most gratifying feeling of them all.  A true character builder.

Lout

The  lout does the bare minimum to get by. They have a job that just barely  covers their living expenses and that's working a full 10 hours a week.  Oh the poor things, unable to cope with the great big white world out  there. They spend most of their time complaining to anyone in the  vicinity about not being able to find a job, how hard it is out there  and a million other excuses. There is plenty of work out there.

Sense & sensibility

They  travel in pairs and are usually females. They are always the most  prudish travellers of them all and pretty much keep to themselves. They  are cook, eat and wash their dishes with militaristic precision without  uttering a word to each other. If you do get them to speak they like  finish each other's sentences. Creepy but true.

Cool dude

The  cool dude is the life of the party, the girl/guy that everyone wants to  be around. They are naturally happy people, completely comfortable in  their own skins that radiate easy smiles, good vibes and good times.  Surround yourself with as many cool dudes as you can.

Sir Laugh-a-lot

Sir  or Lady Laugh-a-lots are always happy and laughing. At anything.  Everything excites them. They are great to have around as their  enthusiasm for life is contagious.

Hurricane

The  hurricane has the ability to spontaneously make everything in his/her  vicinity look like a hurricane has just ripped through. They are  notoriously messy and live surrounded by their belongings. They don't  even bother removing what they left on their sheets (whole backpack  contents) before going to bed. Stay well clear when it's time for them  to pack up and move unless you care to witness the true definition of  stress and panic.

Veteran

The  Veteran is the hostel's longest staying resident. Some have been there  over 6 months. They have seen it all. They spend this whole time living  in the same dorm surrounded by different people all the time. Their  jobs come and go, but their desire to stay in the same place remains  strong. Veterans always give the best advice. Forget what lonely planet  says ask them.

Guru

The  Guru is the most knowledgeable traveller out there. The Guru knows how  the system works, where work is, where to buy the best things, where the  best places to go are, how to get into whichever sort of work. Gurus  are like veterans that move around and go where the best opportunities  are. Gurus make opportunities for themselves everywhere. Hang around in  their wake and you'll learn something that will directly help you down the road. Learn as much as you can from them.

Party Hardy

Party Hardies are those that love to celebrate and party. They will either get drunk at the hostel or go out every night.  Many of them even work all day. Their commitment to getting as much  done as possible has to be admired although these are the types most  likely to crash and burn as the cost of their lifestyle and inability to  sustain it catches up. It's a thrilling ride while it lasts.

Clueless

Clueless never knows anything. Clueless must ask how to get everywhere several times, will analyse  every page of the lonely planet and will always be unsure of  themselves. Being in Australia is too far out of some people's comfort  zone.

Trustafarian

Trustafarians are those kids unfortunate enough to have endless financial backing from the bank of mom  & dad (mostly dad). I use the term unfortunate because they'll  never know the true meaning of freedom and adventure that one who goes  out there to make it on their own gets. Everything comes for free,  nothing is earned. Sure they will have a lot of fun and are generally  good people that were  unfortunate enough not to experience Australia  the best way.

Remote hogger

The  remote hogger is always watching T.V. 24 hours a day. Walk into the  lounge at any time of day and they are guaranteed to be sitting there  watching some meaningless crap on T.V. Whether they actually  eat,work,are paying rent, sleep or move are anyone's guess. Once it's  there it's there and it would be worth finding a new hostel.

Hour-Shower

The hour-shower(er) will take showers that last for an hour. Hot ones at that. They are the annoying  ***** that use up all of the hot water on cold days and leave the  bathroom looking like a steam room. A bacteria-riddled steam room.

Perpetual Cougher

The  perpetual cougher is the dimwit that spends all night coughing. They  usually crack out 10-20 coughs per hour but can be more on weekends.  They are perpetually annoying.

Snorer

Every  dorm has one. Spend enough time in it and you'll eventually get used to  it. No, they won't stop so you'll either have to put up with it or find  somewhere else to sleep in this fully booked town tonight.

Surprise Inspectior

These  are the fools that come back drunk at 3am, turn on the lights and then  go about there normal business like nothing was happening. Groups of 2  or more inspectors not uncommon. Great for people that have to get up  early to go to work.

Econo-miser

The econo-miser buys the cheapest of everything. They look like a Woolworths  commercial, none of their meals exceed $1 and they hardly ever eat.  They'll use whatever left over ingredients that get left out plus a few  of yours when you're not looking. This is a very resourceful survival  tactic when you are low on funds and a way to appreciate everything that  much more once the tide turns in your favour.

Random nodder

The random nodder  is that that person you've been seeing around the place for a week and  nod to each time you come across each other. You may or may not ever  speak, there presence is somewhat welcoming.

Foreign travellers not on a working holiday visa.

There  are a lot of travellers who aren't fortunate enough to have a piece of  paper from a 'friendly' country, therefore cannot come in on the working  holiday visa programme. They only get a tourist visa. They are  determined to see the country and will come down with money they worked  hard to save. They don't get to work along the way and are usually the  ones that clean the hostel in exchange for a free stay. Some will find  cash in hand work, most will in fact as they are resourceful people  determined to get the most out of their time here. When you see one of  them do buy them a beer or leave them something that could be useful to  them. Make sure they are the ones that get your food if you go away.  They are truly worthy of it.

Travellers learning English

Some  people at hostels have come to Australia for a limited time in order to  learn English. They are usually very polite, reserved and generally  keep to themselves. Maybe that's a reason why so few of them seem to be  actually learning anything.